Poland in the Heart of the Jews, and the Jews in the Heart of Poland:Why We Love to Hate Each Other

A discussion of two nations with roots deeply embedded in the same soil.

Up to 90% of the American Jewish Community is believed to have roots in lands that were once part of the Kingdom of Poland. Poland in the Heart of the Jews and the Jews in the Heart of Poland is a discussion of two nations with roots deeply embedded in the same soil.

On the eve of the Final Solution, Poland’s Jewish population was second only to that of the United States, and Warsaw had the second largest urban Jewish population after New York. The six largest cities of Po­land were each approximately 1/3 Jewish. Between the fall of the Second Temple and the rebirth of Israel, there was no Jewish homeland which had more impact on Jewish identity.

The complexity of the role all of this plays in Jewish and Polish heritage continues to make news daily. Michael Traison, one of our members and partner at the law firm Cullen and Dykman, will begin to explore and discuss some aspects of this unique relationship. He has been actively engaged on the ground in Poland for 26 years, and has initiated over 100 projects of remembrance through the Michael H. Traison Fund for Poland.

Please note, a Kosher-style luncheon will be served. Kosher meals can be ordered upon request.